The Window of the World: Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city that connects Hong Kong with mainland China and it is among the most famous cities in southeast China. The city was once a market town of 300,000 before it exploded in size and became a Special Economic Zone in 1979. The city attracts more than 10 million visitors from across the world and it is popularly known for its shopping and entertainment scene. The city is filled with a wide range of activities which makes it a great destination to go for all kinds of tourists.

The Diwang Mansion is among the tallest buildings in Shenzhen and a great place to go if you want to enjoy breathtaking views of the Shenzhen to Hong Kong border. You are going to find the Meridian View Centre on the 69th floor of the building and it stands at 384m. You are going to be supplied with telescopes so that you can enjoy the bird’s eye views of the city. You will be mesmerized by the glimmering skyscrapers, the parks, and the modern architectural wonders in the area.

This park covers 370 acres of land and can be found in the heart of Shenzhen. The park offers a quick escape right in the middle of the city. You will find a 350-foot hill at the center of the park which houses the bronze statue of politician Deng Xiaoping at the top. You can climb to the top of the hill where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city and also the picnic areas that surrounds the hill. The park also houses a large lake where you can rent paddle boats and cruise around the river.

Although many people think Shenzhen is a cultural desert, it is becoming more and more the creative capital in China. The city attracts lots of artists, designers and innovators and lots of people feel at home in the OCT Loft. The loft can be found in the former factory district and it now houses varieties of art galleries, coffee shops, fun watering holes, bookstores, and live music venues that you can explore. The highlight is the contemporary Art Terminal that covers 3000 square meters and you can easily spend a day here without seeing everything that it has to offer.

This is a top tourist attraction that you must not miss while in Shenzhen. The building houses collection of about 130 replicas of the major sights and landmarks in the world all in its 120-acre theme park. The main highlights here are the recreations of the Eiffel Tower, London’s Houses of Parliament, and the Coliseum of Rome, you will also find Asia and American collections in the park. You are also going to find themed streets and food and also dance shows that you can enjoy. The park also hosts the fascinating laser and light shows that will leave you mesmerized. The Window of the World is a family-friendly destination and it will leave you coming back for more.

Although Shenzhen is popular for its modern vibes, it has a rich history that dates back to centuries ago. One of the best places to go in the region for history lovers that want to get an insight into the history of the area which ranges from prehistoric times to the present day. Some of the best things not to miss here are replica streets and the information about the boom that follows the dramatic policy reforms in 1979.

Dafen is the largest producer of replica oil paintings in the world. The region offers a unique experience that will leave your mind blown away. The village comprises of more than 1200 galleries which contain masterpieces from the pioneers like Mona Lisa by Da Vinci, Soup Cans of Warhol Campbell, and Embrace of Klimt. The village stretches less than half a square km and you will find fine arts workshops all around the village. The best thing to do here is to discover your inner painter by drawing with paints.